Utility splits Gurgaon into two circles or streamlining power supply

DHBVN officials said the peak summer demand in 2016 had risen from 950 MW to 1,500 MW in 2016

The power distribution system in Gurgaon has drawn the ire of residents, especially in summer.(File Photo)

Aiming to streamline the power distribution system and redress complaints, the Haryana government has bi-furcated Gurgaon into two Circle 1 and Circle 2. The two circles would be headed by the two superintending engineers (SEs) respectively.

“The Gurgaon circle alone accounts for 40% of the revenues earned by the DHBVN. Besides that this area is expanding rapidly. Bifurcation will help improve services. Also, the officers will be able to give more focused attention to improving the quality of service and plug revenue leakages,” said Shatrujeet Kapur, chairman, DHBVN.

The plan of bifurcation of the Gurgaon Circle was in the pipeline for over a year. The city circle of the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitaran Nigam (DHBVN) saw a realty boom in the past decade. The peak summer demand in past five years has gone from 950 MW to 1,500 MW in 2016. The number of consumers also increased from 2.50 lakh to nearly 4 lakh.

Sanjiv Chopra, chief engineer (CE), Smart Grid Project (DHBVN-Gurgaon), said, “I had submitted a proposal to DHBVN to bi-furcate the circle into two zones and appoint one more SE, so that the power distribution system could be streamlined. I am delighted to note that it has come to fruition.”

The areas to the left of the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway (heading from Delhi to Jaipur) have now been designated as Circle 2, while those to the right have been marked as Circle 1.

Circle 1 basically covers old Gurgaon area and is to be in the care of two divisional or executive engineers. Circle 2 will also have two divisions — sub-urban and Sohna divisions.

Navin Verma, the present SE of Gurgaon, will head Circle 1 (old Gurgaon) and KC Aggarwal will head Circle 2, which will cover new Gurgaon.

Aggarwal will take charge on Monday.

The power distribution system in Gurgaon has drawn much criticism and ire from residents, especially in summer when tripping leads to power cuts for as long as 5 hours. The consumers have accused the DHBVN of not addressing their complaints.